The Gist
Last time around testers didn’t see this one coming! The sleeker and lighter R/Fit Hike 110 was a sleeper-contender for best walk-mode boot. Testers said its shape was surprisingly well-matched to the foot and leg, with a firm enough grip to light up quick turns on demand but without negatively affecting comfort. Testers called it a vacation home for your feet and the best newcomer to the boot test. Its lowest scores were for fore-aft support but testers said aggressive skiing average and smaller guys with thicker feet will be just fine, and intermediate to advanced skiers of all sizes will find a great all-mountain option here.
The Fit
At first try-on testers were a bit hesitant about the fit's distribution of fit tension along the foot and leg, but as the liner warmed up the feel evened out and testers became fans. Most of the room in this wide ride is found in the toebox and instep--a good combination for blood flow to the toes for the high volume foot. Initial lower leg and calf fit felt more snug than average for a 102mm boot but testers said it relaxed with some wear time. Flex feel is strong for a 110 they said and also, initially firm against the top of the shin but quickly relaxed.
Performance
Testers were surprised by how well this spritely boot skied in all sorts of challenging conditions. Polyurethane plastic in shell and cuff provides some dampening and stability through bumpy mank as well as helped drive the ski on hard snow at higher speeds. Testers admit that the 110 flex is a little under-gunned for big, fat skis (and big, fat guys), but for most all-mountain ski and pilot combinations it held up well.
Cool Features
Testers like the handy walk mode actuation--simple and functional, which when released and in combination with GripWalk soles made for great apres cruising and parking lot schlepping, and a set of alpine DIN soles come in the box. Just a single upper buckle makes closure pretty easy and testers appreciated the double liner pull loops and straightforward Velcro power strap.
